Understanding I-130 Expedite Requests
The I-130 petition, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial first step in helping a family member immigrate to the United States. Processing times can often be lengthy, causing significant hardship and separation for families. In certain situations, it’s possible to request expedited processing of the I-130. This involves submitting a formal written request, providing compelling evidence to support the need for faster review.
Qualifying Circumstances for Expedited Processing
USCIS considers expedite requests on a case-by-case basis. Some common grounds for requesting expedited processing include severe financial hardship, urgent medical needs of the beneficiary or petitioner, USCIS error, and cases involving US military service. It’s crucial to clearly articulate your specific circumstances and provide supporting documentation to strengthen your request. Without sufficient evidence, your request is unlikely to be approved.
Crafting a Powerful Expedite Request Letter
A well-written expedite request letter is essential. It should be clear, concise, and persuasive. Begin by stating your name, alien registration number (if applicable), and the receipt number for your I-130 petition. Clearly explain the reason you are requesting expedited processing, highlighting the specific hardship or urgent situation. Back up your claims with supporting documents, such as medical records, financial statements, or military orders. The tone should be respectful and professional throughout.
Key Elements for a Successful Request
In order to make your request as strong as possible, be sure to include relevant contact information for yourself and your beneficiary, including phone numbers and email addresses. You can also provide a copy of the I-130 receipt notice with your letter. Be truthful and accurate in your representation of the facts, as any misrepresentation could have negative consequences for your case. Most importantly, remember to keep a copy of the request letter and all supporting documents for your records.
I-130 Expedite Request Letter Samples
Below are several sample letters you can adapt to your own situation. Remember to customize them with your specific details and supporting evidence.
Sample 1: Medical Emergency
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My [Relationship] is currently suffering from a serious medical condition, [Condition], requiring immediate medical attention. [Explain the urgency and need for your relative to be in the US for treatment. Include doctor’s name and contact]. I have attached supporting medical documentation for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Financial Hardship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am facing significant financial hardship. [Explain the hardship: e.g., loss of job, unexpected expenses]. [Explain how the beneficiary’s presence in the US would alleviate the hardship – e.g., providing childcare, financial support.] I have attached supporting documentation, including [bank statements, unemployment documentation], to demonstrate my financial situation. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: USCIS Error
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. It appears there was an error on the part of USCIS. [Explain the perceived error – e.g., incorrect processing date, misfiled documents, etc.]. [Provide specific details about the error and why it necessitates expedited processing.] I have attached [copies of relevant documents, such as previous correspondence with USCIS] to support my claim. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: US Military Service
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Military Service
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. I am currently serving in the United States Military, [Branch of Service], stationed at [Location]. [Explain how your military service necessitates expedited processing – e.g., upcoming deployment, need for family support]. I have attached a copy of my military orders as verification. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Orphaned Child
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Orphaned Child
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my adopted child, [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. [Beneficiary’s Name] is an orphaned child currently residing in [Country]. [Explain the circumstances of the child being orphaned and the urgent need for reunification.] I have attached all relevant documentation, including [adoption decree, death certificates of parents, etc.]. Thank you for your urgent consideration in this matter. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Aging Parent – Requiring Care
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Aging Parent Requiring Care
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my mother/father, [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My mother/father, who is elderly and resides in [Country], is experiencing deteriorating health and requires my constant care. [Explain the specific health issues and the necessity of your presence to provide care.] I have attached supporting documentation from their physician, [Physician’s Name], which details the severity of their condition. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in this urgent matter. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Risk of Persecution
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Risk of Persecution
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My [Relationship] is at significant risk of persecution in their home country of [Country]. [Explain the specific reasons for the risk, including details of political instability, social unrest, or threats to their safety.] I have attached supporting documentation, including [news reports, human rights reports, affidavits, etc.], to substantiate the imminent danger they face. The delay in processing this petition places them in grave danger. I respectfully request your immediate attention to this critical case. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Natural Disaster
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Natural Disaster
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My [Relationship] has been severely impacted by the recent [Type of Natural Disaster] in [Location]. [Explain the devastation caused by the disaster and how it affects the beneficiary.] They have lost their home, belongings, and means of support. Bringing them to the United States as quickly as possible is essential for their safety and well-being. I have attached supporting documentation, including [photographs of the damage, news reports, relief agency statements, etc.]. Thank you for your compassion and prompt action in this emergency situation. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Pregnancy – High Risk
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – High Risk Pregnancy
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My [Relationship] is currently pregnant and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. [Explain the specific complications and the need for specialized medical care that is unavailable in their current location.] The health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child are at risk. I have attached documentation from her doctor, [Doctor’s Name], detailing the nature of the high-risk pregnancy and the urgent need for medical intervention. I respectfully request you expedite this petition for their safety. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Witness Protection/Threats
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Witness Protection/Threats
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. My [Relationship] is facing significant threats to their safety as a result of [briefly explain reason, e.g., their involvement in a legal case, their identity being compromised, etc.]. [Beneficiary’s Name] requires relocation to a safe environment outside of their current location immediately. [If applicable, mention any connections to official witness protection programs and provide supporting documentation.] I have attached supporting documents, including [police reports, court documents, affidavits, threat assessments, etc.]. The situation is extremely time-sensitive, and I urge you to expedite this case. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Sponsor’s Critical Illness
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Sponsor’s Critical Illness
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. I, the sponsor of this petition, am suffering from a critical illness. [Explain the severity of the illness, including its impact on your ability to provide for yourself and potentially for the beneficiary in the future.] I believe that having my [Relationship] in the United States to provide emotional support and potentially care for me is crucial at this time. I have attached medical documentation from my physician, [Physician’s Name], to verify my condition and its severity. Your expedited review would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Loss of Caregiver
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Loss of Caregiver
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. We have recently experienced the loss of our primary caregiver, [Caregiver’s Name]. [Explain the circumstances of the loss of the caregiver (e.g., death, illness, relocation) and how it impacts the well-being of the person needing care (e.g., a child, an elderly parent, a person with disabilities).] The beneficiary is needed to assume the role of caregiver immediately. I have attached supporting documents, including [death certificate, medical records, or other documentation demonstrating the dependence on the lost caregiver]. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Risk of Deportation of Another Family Member
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Risk of Deportation of Another Family Member
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. Another family member, [Family Member’s Name], who is currently [Relationship] to me (e.g., my spouse, my parent) is at risk of deportation. [Explain the grounds for potential deportation (e.g., visa expiration, legal issue) and how the beneficiary’s presence in the US would directly mitigate this risk.] [Family Member’s Name]’s deportation would cause severe hardship to [Beneficiary’s Name] because [explain the specific ways in which their deportation would negatively impact the beneficiary.] I have attached relevant legal documents regarding [Family Member’s Name]’s immigration status. I sincerely request your expedited processing of this petition to prevent the devastating consequences of a deportation. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Extreme Separation from Immediate Family
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Expedite Request for I-130 Petition – Receipt Number [Receipt Number] – Extreme Separation from Immediate Family
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request expedited processing of the I-130 petition filed on behalf of my [Relationship], [Beneficiary’s Name], Receipt Number [Receipt Number]. I am experiencing extreme separation from my immediate family due to [Beneficiary’s Name]’s continued residence outside of the United States. [Explain the nature of the separation (e.g., I am unable to visit them due to health reasons, financial constraints, or travel restrictions), the emotional distress this causes, and any other relevant details to illustrate the hardship.] I am the sole caregiver for [Dependents if applicable – Children, elderly parents, etc.]. The continued separation negatively affects my ability to provide the necessary care and support. I request your compassionate review and expedited approval of this I-130 petition. Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
While there is no guarantee that your I-130 expedite request will be approved, submitting a well-crafted letter with compelling supporting documentation significantly increases your chances of success. Remember to tailor the sample letters to your specific circumstances and always be truthful and accurate in your representations. Seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney is also recommended to ensure you are presenting the strongest possible case.